Festivals in Barcelona

The “Fiestas de la Mercé” are the most outstanding festivals of all those that take place in the city of Barcelona. They take place around September 24, the day of the Virgin of Mercy, and last for a week.

These festivities are held along many streets of the Catalan capital and usually host an impressive two million people. This colourful celebration, which has been held every year since 1902.
 

It is characterized by countless artistic, cultural, recreational and festive activities that start with the opening speech of the proclamation. This is usually a show in itself because its designation typically involves prominent personalities such as Josep Benet, Jorge Semprún, Robert Hughes and Leticia Dolera.

Once the festival is inaugurated, the celebration begins with various activities that have become a tradition, such as the Wine Fair of Catalonia, the lavish Popular Marathon and the explosion of the “Piromusical”, a magnificent fireworks display held in coordination with the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, accompanied by a preselected piece of music.

The Festival of Mercy is such an important event that it was declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 1980.